What Sedan to Buy? Acura tl vs Camry

quasipredator

I have been looking to get a nice new family car, but is still somewhat fun to drive if possible. I live in Wisconsin so something good in the winter is a must. I can buy a 2012 camry le with 32,000 miles for about $14,000 - $14,500. Or I found a used Acura 2008 tl with 66,000 miles for $13,998.

The Acura has the style and HP with some nice features, but the age and mileage vs the Camry are whats holding me back. Nice thing with the camry is that it is a certified used so I get a nice little warranty. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

brian125

Acura TL wins hands down. After big changes and improvements in 2007 , including the return of the Type-S model, the 2008 Acura TL is unchanged in 2008. The Acura handles great, is fun to drive and the Trans is excellent. This one is a no brainer . If you could live with the new look of a 2009 or 2010 model you will be just as happy with buying these years to.

Your above mentioned Acura w/ 66k non cpo has to many miles for a every day family sedan IMO. Find another possible cpo model with lower miles or buy a newer model. Acura has excellent reliability and resale on record.

Camry's are a dime a dozen and are uninspiring to drive.

If you buy one you will be just like the rest of the family's who buy one ........ BORING ( but maybe smart.)

If spending more $$$ is a issue for a newer Acura model then Boring is your man !!!

Good luck

zandor

Personally I'd just say no to the Camry LE if you want something that's at least a little fun to drive. If you want all the Camry advantages get an SE, not an LE. The SE isn't seriously sporty, but the "sport" version of the Camry turns it into a normal midsize sedan rather than one with a suspension made of overcooked pasta and rubber bands.

If I had to pick between those two (Camry LE and an Acura... the Acura model doesn't actually matter here) I'd get the Acura. I just couldn't stomach a Camry LE. There are far too many alternatives that are much more fun to drive. They might not be as reliable, but many of them would cost thousands less at the same age and $3k pays for a lot of fixing.

Also, consider cherry picking American brands. Just do your research. Some models are pretty close to Toyota and Honda on reliability and cost a lot less used since they have Ford/GM resale prices instead of Toyota/Honda.

parachautopart

I prefer Camry LE,

berri

I'm assuming you have checked carfax and/or had them inspected. The Acura is 4 years older and about double the mileage. Both brands are reliable, but as cars age (miles and years) more goes wrong and nothing is bullet proof. If you are in the rust belt, that's another potential issue with older age. How long are you going to keep it after purchase? Finally, which do you like better? Everything else being similar, I think answering the last two questions gives you your answer.